Audience members fill the Chrysler Theatre for the opening night screening of Mile End Kicks at the 2025 Windsor International Film Festival. (MILOŠ SAVIĆ/Windsor International Film Festival)
By Victor Romão
From Cannes winners to future Oscar nominees, the Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF) has built a reputation as one of Canada’s most ambitious and rewarding cultural events—drawing national attention for its bold programming and world-class experience.
Each fall, WIFF transforms downtown Windsor into a cinematic hub, showcasing hundreds of international, Canadian and pre-release films from around the globe. It’s a festival where emerging voices can stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the world’s most acclaimed filmmakers—and this year, a dynamic group of University of Windsor students, alumni and faculty are doing just that.
A Platform for Student Stories
Among the student filmmakers featured in this year’s WIFF lineup is Jaxon Moore, a communication, media and film undergraduate whose original works My Mother Margaret and Angel Dust are both screening. Angel Dust was co-directed by fellow CMF student Alex Djordjevic.
Moore, who passed away unexpectedly in June at age 21, is remembered by peers and faculty as a passionate storyteller, student leader and promising creative force. His inclusion in the festival marks both a tribute and a testament to the strength of student voices within UWindsor’s filmmaking community.
Angel Dust is also one of five films nominated for WIFF’s Best Local Short Award, a juried prize that includes a $3,000 cash award. Other nominees include Nostalgia and Loss by Yilin Evan Zhu, Parallel by Rawad Kansoun, Apple Pie by Sean (Thrawn) O’Neil, and Click Bang Boom by Michael J. Krym.
From Campus to Career
UWindsor alumnus Michael Allcock (BA English & Communication Hons. ’93) returns to WIFF with Fear of Dancing, a documentary that explores performance anxiety and vulnerability. With more than 80 hours of award-winning film and television content to his name, Allcock credits the University with setting the foundation for his decades-long career.
“The education I received at the University of Windsor was the proverbial key that unlocked the door to what continues to be an incredibly fulfilling career,” said Allcock. “My English degree helped me refine my writing skills and the Communication degree put film equipment directly in my hands.”
Another WIFF selection with UWindsor ties is Shamed, a gripping documentary directed by Matt Gallagher (BA '92) and edited by Nick Hector, associate professor in the Department of Communication, Media and Film. The film examines the controversial YouTube channel Creeper Hunter TV and is nominated for the WIFF Prize in Canadian Film.
A New Generation of Storytellers
Current and past students are making their mark with original works featured at WIFF:
- Jaxon Moore (CMF student 2022–2025) – My Mother Margaret, Angel Dust
- Alex Djordjevic (CMF student) – Angel Dust
- Yilin Evan Zhu (MFA '25) – Nostalgia and Loss
- Rawad Kansoun (MFA '25) – Parallel
- Isha Faisal (MFA '25) – Echo
- Luis Jimenez (MFA '24) – Wrestling Life
- Clay LeBlanc (BFA '24) – To Make Holy
- John Strahl (BA CMF '22) – Eyes Down
- Demetre Kalmantis (BA CMF '22) – Failed Exposure
- Matt Steeves (BA CMF '13) – En Plein Air
- Michael Poirier (BA CMF 2000) – The Gentle Art of Making Enemies
- Sean (Thrawn) O’Neil (BA CMF ’25, MFA ’27) – Apple Pie
- Michael J. Krym (UWindsor, Political Science 2008–09) – Click Bang Boom
WIFF is also offering $5 tickets for students to select screenings, part of its commitment to accessible arts experiences and the development of Canada’s creative economy.
Deep University Roots
Founded in 2005, WIFF has grown into a nationally recognized, industry-leading cultural organization with a mission to celebrate the art of cinema by showcasing Canadian and international film and filmmakers. It plays a vital role in strengthening community, supporting storytelling and growing the creative economy.
The festival’s executive director is Vincent Georgie, assistant professor at the Odette School of Business. Many other board and staff members also hail from the University, underscoring a lasting relationship with a premier destination for Canadian and international cinema.
For UWindsor filmmakers past and present, WIFF offers more than exposure—it’s a platform to share their voices, hone their craft and help shape the future of storytelling on both sides of the screen.
The 2025 Windsor International Film Festival runs Oct. 23 to Nov. 2, with screenings at three downtown venues, including the University of Windsor’s School of Creative Arts in the Armouries building.